The Bayshore/Brisbane Senior Shuttle, along with our Commuter shuttles operated through Commute.org will have adjustments to their schedules starting Monday, April 10th. Schedule modifications were made to serve the new Caltrain schedules and though most changes result in improved service for shuttle riders, please know that the changes may result in slightly different arrival and departure times in the morning and afternoon/evening. Note the changes to the Bayshore/Brisbane Senior Shuttle below, including additional service now at Mission Blue Center (click the Schedule Change Notice to be taken directly to final operating schedule):

The Bayshore/Brisbane Commuter Shuttle and the Brisbane/Crocker Park Business Shuttle also have modified schedules in order to better align with the new Caltrain schedules. All changes go into effect Monday, April 10th. Please note: A valid shuttle pass is required for the Brisbane/Crocker Park Business Shuttle. Call the Alliance for more information: (650) 588-8170.

And if you're already taking public transit, be sure to participate in the 2017 Commuter Challenge! It began on April 1st and runs through the end of May. Participants have a chance to win great prizes simply by using a commute alternative to driving alone during the challenge and logging their trips. Register or login at my.commute.org to take the Challenge and start winning!

Please find below the notice of public information meeting regarding permit modification of San Francisco Transfer Recycling Center (Recology) located at 501 Tunnel Ave., San Francisco, CA 94134. The meeting is taking place on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:00pm at The John A. Legnitto Environmental Learning Center (401 Tunnel Ave., San Francisco).

Have you taken a stroll along Crocker Park Trail before? It's a 2.25 mile existing former railroad right-of-way located in the Industrial Park, passing directly behind many of the businesses along Valley Drive, the "spine" of the industrial park. The trailhead is located on Park Lane directly across the street from the Dog Park and adjacent to the Purcell Murray business. There are also five street intersections where you can hop onto the trail, designated by the green dots on the map below (click to enlarge):

The City recently applied for and were recommended to receive grant funding from the federally funded One Bay Area Grant Cycle 2 (OBAG 2) to install stabilized decomposed granite surfacing over the railroad ballast rock to make the trail passable to pedestrian and bicycle commuters/users, including those using wheeled transportation and parents with strollers.

Project criteria included proximity to a Planned Development Area (PDA), as designated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the regional planning agency that is complementary to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission or MTC (who administers the federal grant for our area), and location of a project in or in close proximity to a Priority Development Area (PDA) with affordable housing preservation strategies. Project selection for our county was administered by C/CAG (City/County Association of Governments). At first, the C/CAG Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended not funding the Crocker Trail project, but Brisbane Councilmember Cliff Lentz made an appeal to the C/CAG Board to fund the project despite the recommendation, with the information that Brisbane’s Parkside Precise Plan (which plans for 228 units) would very likely be adopted by Council this year, and that the Plan will also meet the city’s RHNA allocation for affordable housing sites.

Deputy Public Works Director Karen Kinser presented information about the project to the C/CAG Board at their March 9th meeting, and how it meets many of the funding criteria. Also in attendance at that meeting were Lipman Middle School’s Safe Routes to Schools Program Manager Michelle Chan, Brisbane Parks and Recreation Commissioner Renee Marmion, and a representative from the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, who all spoke in favor of the project. For instance, Michelle Chan spoke about how an improved path would provide a safe connection between a residential development (Landmark and Altamar subdivisions of the Northeast Ridge) and Lipman Middle School, where a low percentage of students currently walk or bike. In the end, a majority of the C/CAG Board voted to fund the project for $885,300 (total estimated cost of the project is $1,000,000).

The improved path will facilitate short trips from residential areas to the center of town and activity centers, such as parks, the library, transit stops, and future development in the Priority Development Area. The funding process will allow for construction to take place in the coming year. Kudos to all those involved in the city receiving this funding and for improvements to Crocker Park Trail able to take place!

Due to vacancies on the Complete Streets Safety Committee, applications are now being accepted to fill up to 4 seats of either two-year terms ending in 2020 or four-year terms ending in 2022.

The Complete Streets Safety Committee considers issues referred to them by the City Council, the City Manager, the Director of Public Works or the Chief of Police and issues affecting pedestrians (including the different needs of children, seniors, youth, and families), bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation. The Complete Streets Safety Committee meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm.

Due to a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission, applications are now being accepted to fill a term through January 2020. The Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for parks and recreation policies & programs within Brisbane.

The General Duties and Responsibilities of the Commission are: 1. Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in policy matters pertaining to the acquisition and development of parks and the formulation of a recreation program to meet the needs of the citizens.2. Periodically review and make recommendations on the parks and recreation element of the City’s General Plan.3. Actively promote parks and recreation activities within the City.4. The Parks and Recreation Commission meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Brisbane City Hall, 50 Park Place.

The Smoking Ordinance that Council adopted on November 3, 2016 went into effect December 2016 but its enforcement has been delayed until June 1, 2017 to allow for public education of the ordinance and for property owners and tenants to become aware of the new regulations and take any necessary measures to comply with the ordinance.Smoking is prohibited in all multi-unit residences, all unenclosed and enclosed common areas, and all other areas of a multi-unit residence.Smoking is also prohibited within at least 30 feet in any direction from any operable doorway, window, opening or other vent into an enclosed area that is located at the multi-unit residence, areas primarily used by children, and areas with improvements that facilitate physical activity including playgrounds and swimming pools.Smoking is permitted in a designated smoking area if the property has such area (and not all properties will have such an area).Outdoor designated smoking areas must be located more than 30 feet from the above listed prohibited areas.

Violations of designation of smoking areas should be addressed to the City’s Code Enforcement Officer Michelle Moneda by calling (415) 508-2172 or e-mailing mmoneda@ci.brisbane.ca.us.To report a violation in progress (“on-view violation”) of the ordinance, please call Dispatch at (415) 467-1212.A Smoking Ordinance page with FAQs and helpful links can be found on the City’s website at: www.brisbaneca.org/smoking-ordinance.

At their March 2nd City Council meeting, the Council received a presentation from Kirsten Andrews-Schwind, Communications Manager for Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE). Peninsula Clean Energy is now the official provider of electricity for San Mateo County residents. Roll-out of the program is expected to be completed in April 2017. Below is Kirsten's presentation if you wanted to learn more about PCE and how it allows for cleaner, greener energy straight to your home or business.

Have you opted up to ECO100, or 100% renewable and carbon-free energy? If so, we have some swag for you complements of Peninsula Clean Energy. Just bring a copy of your PG&E bill to the Finance Dept. and claim your goodies, ranging from a solar-powered flashlight, to pen, to window cling! But most importantly, with ECO100, you'll have the confidence in knowing that 100% of your electricity supply will be sourced from clean renewable energy like solar and wind! Learn more about the benefits of opting up: http://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/opt-up/

The CAC is a 15-member volunteer group who serve in an advisory capacity to the Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors, providing valuable input on the projects and programs in the Transportation Expenditure Plan. The plan includes Caltrain improvements, highway and street projects, allocations to cities and the county for local undertakings, paratransit service for people with disabilities, and pedestrian and bike upgrades.

The committee meets the Tuesday before the first Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. in San Carlos. Members of the CAC must be residents of San Mateo County.

Interested persons can download an application or apply online at www.smcta.com/cac, or call 650-508-6223 for more information.

You may want to avoid Bayshore today between 7am-5pm if you can - crews will be coring between the SSF/Brisbane city limits and Old County Rd. in preparation for Cold In-Place Recycling taking place in mid-April. Basically, they need to take samples of the asphalt in order to know the proper "mix" for when Bayshore gets a major facelift in roughly 6 weeks...which hasn't been done since the late 90's when it was slurry-sealed! It's going to look and feel great to drive on, but we need your patience as this first part of the project is completed. One lane of traffic in both directions will remain open at all times. Thank you in advance for your cooperation! And if you want to read more about Cold In-Place Recycling and the environmentally-progressive aspects of it, you can do so here.

Last week, City Manager Clay Holstine was interviewed for a segment of Pen Voice, a community show on PenTV (Ch. 26) highlighting community organizations and focusing on local issues, not-for-profit service awareness, and community advocacy within San Mateo County. Catch his segment here, where he speaks in large part about the new Brisbane Library and the Friends of the Brisbane Library's goal to fundraise $100,000 towards the new Library:

To donate towards the new Brisbane Library, visit www.fobl.info and hit 'Donate'.

Each year, Ms. Dalmacio's 3rd Grade class from BES takes a tour of City Hall as part of their Government lesson. With just two days into their curriculum, they knew that there are departments at City Hall that provide services for the residents. So, the timing was perfect for them to come and see first-hand the faces behind the various departments, from Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Planning, and Code Enforcement, to of course, Police and Fire.

The kids were delighted to be welcomed by the Parks and Recreation Dept. with a customized sign banner, similar to the ones used on the community signboards. They were then invited back behind the counter for a friendly game of BINGO!

They used the same boards and materials used by the Seniors at their weekly BINGO games that follow the Wednesday Senior Lunches. The winner got a "free rec swim" Pool pass!

Code Enforcement Officer Moneda had prepared a display of photos to show the kids "what not to do" at their homes.

The kids then got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Police Dept. by Officer Malone (including getting to see where the officers get changed into their uniforms and where they write their police reports). Before stepping outside to see the Police SUV, they got to meet Jeannette, the Records Clerk in the Police Dept.

Afterwards, they were met by Capt. Rosenlund and his team from Station 81. They got to see a thermal imaging unit in person and then Firefighter Joe put on all his firefighting gear to show the kids what a fully suited up firefighter looks like - so they know who to run to should they ever find themselves in a disaster.

On Thursday, February 23rd, the City of Brisbane Parks & Recreation Department received an Award of Excellence from the California Parks & Recreation Society for the Annual Derby. Recreation Manager Noreen Leek and Recreation Supervisor Steve Beaty were present to accept the award on behalf of the City. The Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding projects or programs in the categories of Recreation Programming, Promoting Healthy Communities, Parks Planning, Facility Design, Special Events, or other related areas. The Award of Excellence serves to recognize and promote agency successes, new creative approaches and best practices. The Derby is an event that separates us from other cities and is a prime example of the Parks and Recreation Department’s ability to make memories for the Brisbane residents. Come check out the award in the Parks and Rec office and definitely don't miss participating in the Derby Races next year!

Join Peninsula Clean Energy staff on Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30pm at the San Mateo main library Oak Room to learn and ask questions about San Mateo County's official electricity provider. Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) provides cleaner and greener electricity with energy rates starting lower than what you are paying now.

Notifications are in the mail about your new electricity provider.Please come to gather information, ask questions and be informed!Light refreshments provided | Workshop Flyer

Join Peninsula Clean Energy staff on Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30pm at the San Mateo main library Oak Room to learn and ask questions about San Mateo County's official electricity provider. Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) provides cleaner and greener electricity with energy rates starting lower than what you are paying now.

Notifications are in the mail about your new electricity provider.Please come to gather information, ask questions and be informed!Light refreshments provided | Workshop Flyer

SamTrans strives to create the best possible ride experience for all those who make it their transit choice. They would like to hear from their current, former riders and future riders to assist them in identifying short-, mid- and long-term improvements, such as amenities and service.Let SamTrans know what you think by taking the online survey, by March 19, 2017. The questionnaire should take about 10 minutes. At the end of the survey, you will have the opportunity to be entered in a drawing to win one of five SamTrans Monthly passes.

After a disaster, families often become separated from their pets. This can be a very traumatic time for both the family and the pet. Here are three tips to consider:

Conduct a thorough search. The first thing you should do is contact your local Animal Care and Control to see if they have your pet. If they don't, you should immediately start going door-to-door and talk with your neighbors. Leave your name, address and phone number plus a complete description of your pet. You might also want to consider putting a microchip in your pet. That way, if animal control picks up your pet or someone brings the pet there, Animal Control is able to contact you. More info on microchipping>>

Visit shelters. Visit your local animal shelter daily. It is important that you go in person, because only you can identify your pet.

Make posters and create an ad. Make a poster with a recent picture of your pet to alert people to be on the lookout. Make small tear-offs, if someone sees your pet, they can easily tear off the tab and call. Provide general information but avoid putting too much detail about your pet on the poster. There are con-artists who may use this information to claim they have your pet and try and scam you. Click here for a free template of a Lost Pet Poster with tear-off tabs>>

On February 15, 2017 representatives of the Jefferson Union High School District (JUHSD) Board of Trustees and Superintendent met with a two Brisbane Council Members and staff to discuss the mounting difficulties the City is facing in providing daily bus service to and from Pacifica. As the City has already reported, our current provider will not be providing service next school year. There was also a discussion concerning phasing out the bus service over a period of time since finding contractors is getting more and more difficult. The JUHSD Board of Trustees committed to discussing this issue at a future board meeting. The discussion will include any and all options that may be available including, but not limited to; the City of Brisbane phasing out contracting for the bus service over the next year or so (if a vendor can even be contracted), the JUHSD contracting bus service with financial support from the City of Brisbane, the JUHSD looking into student transportation as a whole, and working together as agencies to support Brisbane students in selecting one of the Daly City schools to attend instead of the Pacifica schools.